West Country Explorer

Voyage Summary

Join the crew of Irene on this four night voyage around the West Country.  East or West from Plymouth? We’ll let the weather dictate. West are some of Cornwall’s prettiest ports such as Mevagissy, Fowey and Looe. East lie some of Devon’s finest including Salcombe, Brixham and Dartmouth. Explore this fabulous coastline at a relaxed pace with a firm emphasis on relaxation and hospitality.

Sailing Highlights

There are no shortage of sailing highlights around this area of coastline.  The ports are generally quite close together so passages are shorter than on some of our voyages and ports are safe and well sheltered.

Heading west you will pass the historic fishing ports of Looe and Polperro before we get to Fowey Harbour.  The twin towns of Fowey and Polruan lie either side of the harbour, divided by the Fowey River.  This is a picturesque harbour and either side is well worth a bit of an explore.  Continuing west, you pass the amazing Charlestown.  This has been preserved as a Georgian working port, complete with a number of traditional sailing vessels and tall ships.  If tides and time allow, we may make a stop here.

The bay around Falmouth is likely to be our next stop.  The bay provides a fabulous contrast between the hustle and bustle of a busy working harbour at Falmouth with the secluded and tranquil Helford River, inspiration for Du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek novel.  Both are worth a bit of your time!

If we choose to head east rather than west, we have some equally fabulous options.  The first day is likely to see us heading to Salcombe.  This popular resort town sits on a large and beautiful estuary, now largely filled with private yachts and motor boats.  The town is well worth a visit with some great bars and restaurants, along with the normal range of shops appealing to the well-healed tourist.

Further east and round Start Point lie the towns of Dartmouth and Brixham.  Each have their individual character and both make a great overnight stop.  Brixham is the home of the Brixham Trawellers.  Traditional fishing vessels which now ply a charter trade rather than a fishing one!  It is full of charm and interest with the port lying in the centre of the town.

Itinerary Details

The itinerary is kept very loose on this voyage.  Our aim is to give you a relaxed and enjoyable voyage rather than push you out of your comfort zone!  If there’s something which particularly interests you, just talk to the skipper and we’ll do our best to accommodate it.

There is far too much in this area to pick just a few highlights.  Every port has character, beauty, some interesting maritime history, some great restaurants and an opportunity to get away from it all.